Overland and Underland: The Hidden Nature of Sacred Mountains in East Asia

03.12.2019 18:15 – 19:45

Most considerations of sacred mountains rightly focus on their dramatic verticality and how the ascent of mountains is akin to a spiritual ascent. In East Asia, however, it is noteworthy that sacred mountains were not always the highest mountains or most pronounced topographic features on the landscape. This talk seeks to uncover some of the less well-known features of East Asian sacred mountains by both looking up to the firmament of stars above and down into the dark foreboding world of labyrinthine caves below. It will also consider the ways that their sacrality is constituted by what is “in” them rather than just their lofty heights. Finally, this talk will discuss the various ritual methods for entering mountains safely, which at the same time provide us with a glimpse of some of the potential dangers that await those who venture into mountains.

Lieu

Bâtiment: Uni Mail

M2160

entrée libre